Epenthesis

Pronunciation: e-pen'-thes-is

Alternate Spelling: interpositio

Definition

The addition of a letter, sound, or syllable to the middle of a word. A kind of metaplasm.

Note: Epenthesis is sometimes employed in order to accommodate meter in verse; sometimes, to facilitate easier articulation of a word's sound. It can, of course, be accidental, and a vice of speech.

Examples

Addition of a medial letter: When "sherbet" is pronounced "sherbert" Addition of an medial syllable: When "realtor" is pronounced "realator" I have but with a cursorary eye O'erglanc'd the articles.